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Northern Alaska Sport Fishing Regulations Summary 2020
Effective until the 2021 Summary is issued #wefishak
Get Out and Fish. Together. www.adfg.alaska.gov
Licensing & Kuskokwim North Slope Northwestern Yukon River Tanana River Upper Copper -
Regional - Goodnews Drainages Drainages Drainage Drainage Upper Susitna
Regulations Drainages Drainages
2
Table of Contents
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Booklet Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Alaska Board of Fisheries
DIVISION OF SPORT FISH
1255 W. 8th Street The Alaska Board of Fisheries (Board) adopts
LICENSING & REGIONAL REGULATIONS: P.O. Box 115526 Alaska’s fishing regulations under statutory authority
Licensing: Juneau, Alaska 99811-5526 from the Alaska Legislature. The Board sets fishing
License Requirements and Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5 (907) 465-4180 seasons, bag limits, and methods and means. It also
King Salmon Stamp Requirements and Fees. . . . . 5 Mike Dunleavy, Governor sets policy and provides direction of the management
Harvest Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner of the state’s fishery resources through regulatory
Regional Regulations: Dave Rutz, Director management plans. The Board consists of seven
Prohibited Acts, Liability for Violations. . . . . . . . . 6 The Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) members that are appointed by the governor,
Methods and Means . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 is responsible for managing fish and game under confirmed by the Legislature, and serve 3-year terms.
Use of Sport-Caught Fish as Bait . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 statutory authority from the Alaska Legislature. By
Possession of Sport-Caught Fish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 law, the mission of the Department of Fish and Game The Board process is one of the more open systems
Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 is to protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, for incorporating public input into state fisheries
and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage policy. The Board meets four to six times per year
their use and development in the best interest of the to consider proposed changes to fishing regulations
REGULATIONS BY AREA: economy and the well-being of the people of the state, in specific areas of the state. Any individual or
Northern Alaska Waters Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 consistent with the sustained yield principle. organization may submit a proposal to change a
Kuskokwim-Goodnews Drainages. . . . . . . . . . . 12-15 The Division of Sport Fish is one of six divisions in fishing regulation. The Board uses biological and
General Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 the department. By law, the mission of the Division of socioeconomic information provided by the Alaska
Special Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Sport Fish is to protect and improve the state’s sport Department of Fish and Game, public comment,
North Slope Drainages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 fisheries resources. Division of Sport Fish operations and guidance from the Alaska Department of Public
Northwestern Drainages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 are largely funded by anglers and recreational boaters Safety and Alaska Department of Law when creating
Yukon River Drainage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 through contributions to Federal Aid in Sport Fish regulations.
Restoration and Fish and Game license funds. At least
Tanana River Drainage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-27 The Board meets on a 3-year cycle. It most recently
15 percent of the state’s federal aid apportionment
General Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-24 must be used for improvement of recreational boating addressed Arctic, Yukon, Kuskokwim fishing regulations
Special Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-27 facilities and access. in January, 2019.
Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Drainages . . . . . . 28-36
ADF&G may change fishing regulations at Alaska Board of Fisheries Current Members
General Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29
Special Regulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-36 any time by emergency order. Reed Morisky (Chair) . . . . . . . . . . Fairbanks
Chitina Dipnet Personal Use Salmon Fishery. 37-38 John Jensen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petersburg
Statewide, numerous emergency orders may be issued Israel Payton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wasilla
to open or close seasons or areas, modify bag limits and Fritz Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dillingham
OTHER INFORMATION: methods and means in any given year. Most, but not all,
Märit Carlson-Van Dort. . . . . . . . Anchorage
Shellfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-40 affect salmon fishing, as opposed to fishing for resident
species. Emergency orders may also be posted at key John Wood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Willow
Stocked Waters and Species Stocked. . . . . . . 41-42 Gerard Godfrey. . . . . . . . . . . . . Eagle River
Species Information and Identification. . . . . . 43-45 access points. All emergency orders are widely announced
Trophy Fish Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 via news media, and are accessible on recorded ADF&G For more information on the board process, contact
hotlines, at ADF&G offices (see a list on the back cover), the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Boards
Transfer of Possession Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
and online at www.adfg.alaska.gov . Support Section at: (907) 465-4110.
Regional Offices/Commissioner's Message. . . . . 48
How to Use This Book Catching Our Emails?
Licensing Requirements - Read licensing and harvest recording
requirements on pages 4 and 5.
Regional Regulations - These outline allowable sport fishing gear, possession requirements for sport
caught fish, and other general regulations, as well as prohibited acts.
General Regulations - Read the general regulations for seasons, bag, possession, and size limits, and
methods and means for the area in which you intend to fish.
Special Regulations - Check the Northern Alaska Waters index on pages 10-11. If a special regulation
exists for the species when and where you plan to fish, follow the special regulation; special regulations Fishing Reports Emergency Orders
prevail over the general regulations listed for that area. If the waters you plan to fish DO NOT APPEAR in
the index or within the special regulations, follow the general regulations for seasons, bag, possession, and Advisory Announcements
size limits, and methods and means for that area.
Sign Up Today! visit www.wefishak.alaska.gov
This summary of Alaska sport and personal use fishing and shellfish regulations is published by the Division of
Sport Fish as a service to anglers. It is not intended to be a complete digest of all fishing regulations.
Got Pics?
For a complete list of all sport fishing regulations, see the Alaska Administrative Code, Title 5 at:
http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/folioproxy.asp?url=http://wwwjnu01.legis.state.ak.us/cgi-bin/folioisa.dll/aac .
We are looking for good quality
Some regulations in this booklet may be changed by the Alaska Board of Fisheries during its
fishing photos. Pack your camera
regular meetings, by emergency regulation, or by emergency order at any time.
along with your rod and reel, and
capture those memorable images
of your family and children fishing in Alaska, and
please send us your photos. More information at:
u Emergency Orders: Inseason changes to regulation
Regulations in this booklet may be changed by emergency order at any time. If an inseason change
www.wefishak.alaska.gov .
has been made by emergency order for the species when and where you plan to fish, follow the inseason
regulation; inseason regulatory changes prevail over the regulations listed in this booklet. All such
Cover Photos
changes can be found by contacting any ADF&G Sport Fish Office or online at the ADF&G website. • Main Image: Theron Pamperin and Luke Decker with their
Tanana River burbot. Photo by Nate Pamperin.
8 You can sign up to receive emergency order notifications via email.
Visit: www.wefishak.alaska.gov for more information.
• Top Right: Coho salmon. ADF&G photo.
• Bottom Right: Rainbow trout. ADF&G photo.
3
STATEWIDE REGULATIONS - LICENSING, KING SALMON STAMPS & HARVEST RECORDS 4
An Alaska sport fishing license is required for all resident License Fees Alaska Residents
anglers 18 and older and nonresident anglers 16 and older Annual sport fishing license ��������������������������������������������������������������� $29
to fish in all fresh and salt waters of Alaska. Alaska residents 18 or older. Valid for the calendar year.
ADF&G Permanent (Senior) ID Card (PID)...... Free to qualifying residents
• In accordance with the regulations outlined in this summary booklet, a sport fishing Alaska residents 60 or older may apply for a PID for hunting, fishing, and
license allows you to take, or attempt to take, finfish or shellfish in the fresh or salt trapping. For residents only - if you become a nonresident, your PID is no
waters of Alaska. Additionally, you may need a King Salmon Stamp or a Harvest longer valid, requiring you to purchase a nonresident sport fishing license.
Record Card (see page 5). ADF&G Disabled Veteran Card (DAV)................ Free to qualifying residents
• Your sport fishing license, PID or DAV must be in your possession while you are sport fishing. Alaska residents who are disabled veterans (with disability of 50% or
• All persons engaged in sport fishing or in possession of sport caught finfish or greater that was incurred during military service), may apply for a DAV for
shellfish must show their sport fishing license, required harvest record and/or hunting and fishing. If you become a nonresident, your DAV is no longer
stamp, and their harvest to any representative of ADF&G or any peace officer of the valid, requiring you to purchase a nonresident sport fishing license.
state, upon request. Sport fishing license for the blind �����������������������������������������������������$0.50
• No person may alter, loan, or transfer to any other person any sport fishing license; Affidavit required—available from license vendor or ADF&G.
and no person may use any license issued to another person. Income restricted..................................................................................... $5
• If your sport fishing, hunting, or trapping license is revoked in any state, you may To be eligible for a low income license, an Alaskan resident must have an
not obtain an Alaska sport fishing license. annual family or household income equal to or less than the most recent
poverty guidelines for the state set by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services for the year preceding application. A.S. 16.05.340 (a)(6)
A Resident of Alaska is a Person Who... Visit: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.lowincome
License Fees
For the preceding 12 consecutive months, has maintained a home in Alaska with the
intent to stay, and who is not claiming residency (or receiving benefits under a claim of
residency) in another state, territory or country. Benefits include but are not limited to,
Nonresidents
applying for a resident fishing or hunting license in another state, obtaining a driver’s 1-day sport fishing license.........................................................................................$25
license in another state, or receiving benefits or paying taxes as a resident of another state. 3-day sport fishing license.........................................................................................$45
Active Duty Military Personnel and Their Dependents... 7-day sport fishing license.........................................................................................$70
14-day sport fishing license.................................................................................... $105
• Stationed in Alaska for the preceding 12 months may purchase a resident sport
fishing license regardless of benefits received in another state. Resident sport fishing Annual sport fishing license................................................................................... $145
regulations apply. Residents of Yukon Territory may purchase nonresident licenses at Alaska resident license fees.
• Permanently stationed in Alaska for less than 12 months may purchase a nonresident
military license and nonresident military annual king salmon stamp at reduced rates Nonresident Military License and Fee
and are considered nonresidents. Nonresident sport fishing regulations apply. Nonresident annual military sport fishing license............................ $29
Only for active duty members of military service permanently stationed in
If you have questions about your residency, call your local Alaska Wildlife Troopers (telephone
Alaska for less than 12 months or for dependent(s) of such.
numbers listed on page 93).
HARVEST RECORD KING SALMON STAMP
Harvest records are required by ALL anglers when harvesting any species with an Anglers sport fishing for king salmon (except
annual limit. Species with an annual limit are listed in the General Regulations section. king salmon stocked in landlocked lakes)
L E
P
must purchase a current year’s king salmon
• Areas to record harvested species
M
stamp. Stamps purchased online can be
A
with an annual limit are printed on printed immediately. If you purchase a
S
each sport fishing license. physical stamp, it must be signed across the This is an example of a king
• A harvest record card is required face of the stamp, in ink, and stuck to the back salmon stamp purchased online.
for resident anglers under 18, of your sport fishing license.
LE
nonresident anglers under 16, and
PID or DAV licensed anglers.
King Salmon Stamp Fees
P
• Immediately upon landing and
M
retaining a fish that has an annual Resident king salmon stamp.........................................................................$10
limit, all anglers must enter the
A
species, date, and location, IN INK, Nonresident 1-day stamp......................................................................................................$15
S
on the harvest record form on the Nonresident 3-day stamp......................................................................................................$30
back of their sport fishing license
Nonresident 7-day stamp......................................................................................................$45
or their harvest record card.
Nonresident 14-day stamp....................................................................................................$75
• A person obtaining a duplicate or
additional license or harvest record Nonresident annual stamp................................................................................................. $100
card must transfer their harvest Nonresident military annual stamp...................................................................................$30
records of species with annual
limits previously landed during the Duplicate stamp.......................................................................................................................... $5
current year to their new license or
harvest record card. Harvest Record Card
The following persons do not need a king salmon stamp:
LICENSES/STAMPS/HARVEST CARDS • Resident anglers under 18 and nonresident anglers under 16.
• Residents who possess an ADF&G PID or a DAV card.
Sport fishing licenses and King Salmon Stamps may be purchased online at:
www.adfg.alaska.gov/store or from a license vendor (most sporting goods stores).
• Residents with the $5 income restricted license.
• Residents with the 50¢ license for the blind.
Harvest Record Cards are available online at:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/license/sportlicense/pdf/sf_harvest_record_card.pdf ,
from ADF&G offices, and from fishing license vendors. Use our secure server to buy your
licenses, stamps, and tags online!
PID/DAV licenses – Apply online at: www.adfg.alaska.gov/store/
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.proxy .
LICENSING, KING SALMON STAMPS, AND HARVEST RECORDS 5
REGIONAL REGULATIONS 6
HARVEST RECORD REQUIREMENTS POSSESSION OR MARKING OF LIVE FISH OR LIVE METHODS AND MEANS
FISH EGGS:
• Harvest records are required when angling for any • It is unlawful to possess, transport, release live fish FRESHWATER SPORT FISHING:
species with an annual limit. or live fish eggs, or in any way mark any live fish Fish may not be taken in fresh water by means of:
• A harvest record form is printed on the back of each prior to release; • Fixed or weighted hooks and lures (except those of
sport fishing license. For anglers under age 16 and • Except in accordance with the terms of a permit that standard manufacture);
others not requiring a license, free harvest reporting may be issued by the Commissioner under • Multiple hooks with gap between point and shank
cards are available from ADF&G offices and from 5 AAC 41 or AS 16.05.930(a), larger than one-half inch;
fishing license vendors. • Or in accordance with sport fishing provisions listed
• Spear, unless permitted by area regulations; or arrow,
• Annual limits are listed in the General and Special on page 7 under “Use of sport-caught fish as bait.”
unless permitted by area regulations.
Regulations for each area. FELT-SOLED BOOTS PROHIBITED:
• Immediately upon landing and retaining a fish that SPORT FISHING GEAR:
• The use of footgear with absorbent felt or other fibrous Unless otherwise provided in regulation, sport fishing may
requires harvest recording, anglers must enter the material on the soles is prohibited while sport fishing in
species, date, and location, IN INK, on the back of their be conducted only by use of:
fresh water.
sport fishing license or on the harvest record card. • A closely attended single line attached to not more
GAFFS PROHIBITED:
than one plug; one spoon; one spinner or series of
• A gaff may not be used to puncture any fish intended or spinners; two artificial flies; or two hooks.
DATA COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS required to be released.
• The line must be closely attended, unless unattended
• Upon request by a Department representative or state MOLESTING OF FISH: setlines for burbot are allowed per area regulations.
peace officer, anglers must forfeit the heads of any • Molesting or impeding spawning or the natural USE OF ATTRACTOR (BEAD):
salmon or trout with external or internal tags and all movement of fish contrary to lawful methods and
fish that are adipose finclipped along with the date An attractor, including a bead, when used with an artificial
means of sport fishing is prohibited. fly, artificial lure, or bare hook, must be:
and location of where caught.
SNAGGING IN FRESH WATER PROHIBITED: • Either fixed within two inches of the bare hook,
LIABILITY FOR VIOLATIONS • It is unlawful to intentionally snag or attempt to snag fly, or lure,
any fish in fresh water.
• Unless otherwise provided by regulation or statute, a • Or be free sliding on the line or leader.
person who violates a provision of these regulations • "Snag" means to hook a fish elsewhere than in its
mouth. A fish unintentionally hooked elsewhere than • A bead fished on the line above a bare single hook is
is strictly liable for the offense, regardless of that legal gear in waters where only flies may be used.
person’s intent. its mouth must be released immediately.
• Unless otherwise prohibited under area regulation,
PROHIBITED ACTS snagging is allowed in saltwater.
CLOSED WATERS/ WATERS CLOSED TO SPORT FISHING: WASTE OF FISH:
• Unless otherwise provided by area regulations: • The intentional waste or destruction of any species of
(a) the waters within 300 feet of a fish weir or fish ladder sport-caught fish is prohibited.
are closed to sport fishing, unless a lesser or greater USE OF EXPLOSIVES OR TOXICANTS:
distance is indicated by Department markers; and (b) it • The use of any toxicant or explosive is prohibited
is unlawful to cast, drift, or place by any means a hook, in the taking of any fish in the waters of Alaska.
bait, lure, or fly into waters closed to sport fishing. Except that a shaft tipped with an explosive charge
SALE OF SPORT-CAUGHT FISH PROHIBITED: (commonly known as a bangstick or powerhead) or a
• No person may buy, sell, or barter sport-caught fish or firearm may be used on board a vessel in saltwater to
their parts. dispatch a fish caught with legal gear.
SPORT FISHING GEAR FOR BURBOT:
METHODS AND MEANS (continued) POSSESSION OF SPORT-CAUGHT HALIBUT
Unless otherwise provided by area regulations, burbot
may be taken in fresh water with more than one line and
hook, provided: • Pacific halibut fisheries are managed by the federal
USE OF UNDERWATER SPEAR (SALTWATER): government under international treaty.
• In salt water, spears and spearguns may be used to • The total aggregate number of hooks may not exceed
15 or the daily bag limit for burbot in the waters being • Federal possession and landing requirements for
take fish, subject to applicable seasons and limits, fished, whichever is less; sport-caught halibut differ from state regulations.
by persons who are completely submerged, provided • Hooks are single hooks with gap between point and Possession includes unpreserved AND preserved fish
that the spear or speargun is not tipped with an shank larger than ¾ inch; for halibut.
explosive charge. • Each hook is set to rest on the bottom of the lake or • Consult federal regulations for: bag, size, and
ICE FISHING GEAR: stream; possession limits for guided (charter) anglers;
• Each line is identified with angler’s name and address; possession and landing requirements.
• Sport fishing through the ice is permitted using
• Each line is physically inspected at least once in each • Federal halibut regulations are available from:
two closely attended lines, provided only one hook
or artificial lure is used on each line, except that 24-hour period. NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, (907) 586-7228
additional gear may be used for northern pike and https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/sport-halibut
burbot as specified in statewide or area regulations. POSSESSION OF SPORT-CAUGHT FISH
(EXCEPT HALIBUT)
• The maximum number of lines/hooks that an
angler may deploy is not cumulative and is equal USE OF SPORT-CAUGHT FISH AS BAIT
• Sport-caught fish, their parts, and articles manufactured
to the maximum number of lines/hooks allowed from such fish may be possessed within the state
for any species. The number of lines/hooks used • Unless provided for in this section, fish taken under
by any person at any time, and may be transported
to target a species may not exceed the number within and exported out of the state by any person sport fishing regulations may not be used as bait,
allowed for that species. An example would be at any time, except that no person may possess any except:
in a lake where regulations allow 5 set lines for unpreserved fish, or part of one, not legally taken by • Herring and whitefish may be used as bait,
burbot and 2 lines under the ice for lake trout, the the angler, unless the angler furnishes, upon request of • Species for which bag limits, seasons, or other
maximum number of lines you may fish is 5 (3 set any peace officer of the state, a statement signed by the regulatory methods and means are not provided in
lines and 2 closely attended lines under the ice for person taking the fish stating the type of fish, number
sport fishing regulations may be used as bait,
lake trout or other species). of fish, location, date taken, and license number. See
Transfer of Possession Form on page 47. The statement • The head, tail, fins, and viscera of legally taken
SPORT FISHING GEAR FOR NORTHERN PIKE: sport fish, may be used as bait.
is unnecessary if the person possessing the fish is
• Unless otherwise provided by the area regulations, accompanied by the person who took the fish. No • Live herring and other species for which no seasonal or
northern pike may be taken by spear. person may possess fish which were not legally taken. harvest limits are specified in sport fishing regulations
SPORT FISHING GEAR FOR HERRING AND SMELT: • A person may possess only the limit of fish allowed may be used as live bait, except that live fish may not
• In salt water, herring and smelt may be taken with for the water on which that person is fishing. be used as bait for sport fishing in fresh water.
the use of 15 or less unbaited single or multiple • Upon request by an employee of the Department, or • Live bait may be possessed, transported, or released
hooks attached to a single line. a peace officer of the state, a person must present for only in the salt waters of the regulatory area in which
inspection any fish taken or possessed by the person
it was taken.
in a sport fishery.
• Upon request by an employee of the Department or a
peace officer of the state, a person while taking fish must
present for inspection any apparatus designed to be or
capable of being used to take fish in a sport fishery.
REGIONAL REGULATIONS 7
DEFINITIONS 88
The following are some of the definitions set forth in AS CLOSED WATERS—waters designated by the board MARK OR MARKING—all forms of skin alteration,
16.05.940, 5 AAC 75.020, and 75.995 wherein it is illegal to take fish. fin clipping, or other mutilation, or insertion of foreign
CLOSELY ATTENDED LINE—that the line or strike materials in live fish that permit later identification.
AREA—means a regulatory management area as de-
scribed in 5 AAC 47-5 AAC 74. indicator is within the view of and is accessible to the MESH SIZE (STRETCH MESH SIZE, STRETCH
angler at all times. MEASURE)—the average length of any series of 10
ARTIFICIAL FLY—a fly which is constructed by common consecutive meshes measured from inside the first knot
methods known as fly tying, including a dry fly, wet DRAINAGE—all of the waters comprising a watershed and including the last knot when wet; the 10 meshes,
fly, and nymph, or a bare single hook that is free of bait including tributary rivers, streams, sloughs, ponds, when being measured, shall be an integral part of the net,
as defined in 5 AAC 75.995. Materials and chemicals and lakes which contribute to the water supply of the as hung, and measured perpendicular to the selvages;
designed and produced primarily to cause flies to float or watershed. measurement shall be made by means of a metal tape
sink may be used on artificial flies.
FISHING ROD—a tapered, flexible rod typically used for measure while the 10 meshes being measured are
ARTIFICIAL FLY (UNWEIGHTED)—a fly which weighs sport fishing, equipped with a hand grip and a line guide suspended vertically from a single peg or nail, under five
less than one-fourth ounce in its entirety. system that guides the line from the reel to the tip of the pound weight, except as otherwise provided in this title.
ARTIFICIAL LURE—any lure which is man-made, free rod, and upon which is mounted a fishing reel used to MOLESTING—the harassing, disturbing, or interfering
of bait as defined in 5 AAC 75.995, and is used to attract deploy and retrieve the sport fishing line. with fish by any means, including the use of any missile
fish. This includes an artificial fly. FLOWING WATERS—means all fresh waters, excluding or object not established as legal gear; molesting includes
BAG LIMIT—the maximum legal take of fish per person lakes and ponds, that have detectable current, including dragging, kicking, throwing, striking, or otherwise
per day, in the area in which the person is fishing, even creeks, streams, and rivers draining into, between, and abusing a fish which is intended to be released.
if part or all of the fish are immediately preserved; a fish out of all lakes and ponds, and all intertidal waters MULTIPLE HOOK—a fish hook with two or more points
when landed and not immediately released becomes a upstream of the stream mouth. with or without barbs.
part of the bag limit of the person originally hooking it.
FRESH WATER—all inland waters; inland waters are OPEN SEASON—the time during which fish may
BAIT—any substance applied to fishing gear for the separated from salt water at the mouths of creeks,
purpose of attracting fish by scent, including fish eggs lawfully be taken; each period of time prescribed as an
streams, and rivers at a line between extremities of open season shall be construed to begin at 12:01 a.m. on
in any form, natural or preserved animal, fish, fish oil, the latter’s banks at a mean low tide or at a point to be
shellfish, or insect parts, natural or processed vegetable the first day and end at midnight of the last day thereof.
determined and adequately marked by the Department.
matter, and natural or synthetic chemicals. PEACE OFFICER OF THE STATE—(a) an employee of
LENGTH OF FISH—the length from the tip of the snout
CHAR—all char, including Dolly Varden, Arctic char, to the tip of the tail (total length). ADF&G authorized by the Commissioner; (b) a police
lake trout (Mackinaw), and eastern brook trout. officer in the state; or (c) any other person authorized by
the Commissioner.
CHARTER VESSEL—a vessel licensed under
AS 16.05.490, used for hire in the sport, personal use, or POSSESSION LIMIT—the maximum number of
subsistence taking of fish or shellfish, and not used on unpreserved fish a person may have in possession.
the same day for any other commercial fishing purpose; a POWER ASSISTED FISHING REEL—a reel used
charter vessel does not include a vessel or skiff without a
to deploy and retrieve the sport fishing line that is
charter vessel operator.
operated or assisted by any electronic hydraulic, or other
CHARTER VESSEL OPERATOR—a person engaged in mechanical power source other than by hand-cranking a
carrying passengers on a charter vessel for any valuable handle attached to the reel.
consideration that passes directly or indirectly to the LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPARTMENT—
vessel’s owner, operator, or a person with a financial (a) the nearest most accessible professional employee PRESERVED FISH—fish prepared in such a manner, and
interest in the vessel, in consideration of the carriage of of the Department, (b) a person designated by the in an existing state of preservation, as to be fit for human
any person on board. Commissioner or by a professional employee of the consumption after a 15-day period, and does not include
Department to perform specific functions for the unfrozen fish temporarily stored in coolers that contain
CLOSED SEASON—the time during which fish may not Department, or (c) a law enforcement officer of the ice, dry ice, or fish that are lightly salted.
b e taken. Includes no catch-and-release fishing. Department of Public Safety.
DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED) THE FISH & WILDLIFE
REEL SEAT—an attachment mechanism that holds SPORT FISHING SERVICES—the indirect provision of
SAFEGUARD PROGRAM
the fishing reel to the rod using locking, threading assistance, for compensation or with the intent to receive
rings, sliding bands, or other attachment devices and is compensation, to a person engaged in sport fishing in
designed to allow the reel to be readily detached from the taking or attempting to take fish or shellfish by a business
fishing rod. that employs a sport fishing guide to provide sport fishing
ROCKFISH—includes all fish of the genus Sebastes, and guide services to the person during any portion of a
does not include Irish lords, other sculpins, greenlings or sport fishing trip; sport fishing services does not include
lingcod. an activity for which a sport fishing guide license is
required, or booking and other ancillary services provided
SALMON—all salmon, including the five species of by a tour broker or agent to a sport fishing services
Pacific salmon: coho, chum, king, pink, and sockeye. operator.
SALT WATER—all marine waters; marine waters are STREAM MOUTH—the downstream point defined as a
separated from fresh water at the mouths of streams, straight line running from the most downstream extremity
rivers, and creeks. on one stream bank to the most downstream extremity on
SET LINE—an unattended line or lines that have been the other stream bank, or a point defined and marked by
the Department.
Report Violations
set, staked, anchored or otherwise fixed.
SINGLE HOOK—a fish hook with only one point with or TAKE—taking, pursuing, fishing, or in any manner 1-800-478-3377
without a barb. disturbing, capturing, or killing or attempting to take,
pursue, fish, or in any manner capture or kill fish or If you witness or suspect that a fish or wildlife
SNAG—to hook a fish elsewhere than in its mouth.
shellfish. violation has occurred, please call our toll-free
SPORT FISHING—the taking of or attempting to take for number. You will not have to reveal your name,
TOXICANT—any material or chemical that upon
personal use, and not for sale or barter, any freshwater, testify in court, or sign a deposition. You will
introduction to the waters of Alaska by direct or indirect
marine, or anadromous fish by hook and line held in the remain anonymous, and you may receive a reward.
means will kill, stun, or drive fish from their natural
hand, or by hook and line attached to a pole or rod which
repose. Local Alaska Wildlife Troopers’ office phone
is held in the hand or closely attended, or by other means
TRANSPORT—ship, transport, carry, import, export, or numbers are as follows:
defined by the Alaska Board of Fisheries.
receive or deliver for shipment, transportation, carriage, Anchorage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269-5954
SPORT FISHING GUIDE—a person who is licensed to Anchor Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235-8239
or export.
provide sport fishing guide services to persons who are
Cantwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 768-4050
engaged in sport fishing. TROUT—includes rainbow, steelhead, and cutthroat.
Cordova. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424-3184
SPORT FISHING GUIDE SERVICES—assistance, for WATERS OF ALASKA—has the same meaning as set out Fairbanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451-5350
compensation or with the intent to receive compensation, in 5 AAC 39.975(13).
Glennallen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822-3263
to a sport fisherman to take or attempt to take fish by YEAR—the calendar year from January 1 through Mat-Su West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373-8305
accompanying or physically directing the sport fisherman December 31. Palmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 745-4247
in sport fishing activities during any part of a sport fishing
Seward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224-3935
trip; however, the term does not include sport fishing
services or services provided by an assistant, deckhand, or Soldotna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-4573
similar person who works directly under the supervision Valdez. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 835-4307
of and on the same vessel as a sport fishing guide. 9
NORTHERN ALASKA WATERS INDEX 10
KUSKOKWIM-GOODNEWS DRAINAGES YUKON RIVER DRAINAGE Tanana River Drainage Continued... Page
Fresh and Salt Waters Special Regulations Page Fresh and Salt Waters Special Regulations Page Shaw Creek drainage................................................... 26
Aniak River drainage.................................................. 14 Dall River area............................................................. 21 Stocked lakes............................................................... 26
Holitna River drainage................................................ 14 Innoko River drainage.................................................. 21 T Lake.......................................................................... 27
Kasigluk River drainage............................................. 14 Little Dall River drainage............................................ 21 Tanana River................................................................ 27
Kisaralik River drainage............................................. 14 Nome Creek (Beaver Creek drainage)......................... 21 Tangle Lakes drainage................................................. 27
Kuskokwim River drainage (downstream of and Nowitna River drainage............................................... 21 Toklat River drainage................................................... 27
Tok River drainage....................................................... 27
including Holitna R & Kuskokwim Bay)................... 14 Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor................................... 21
Tolovana River drainage ............................................. 27
Kwethluk River drainage ........................................... 14 Yukon River drainage (Tanana R to Hodzana R)......... 21
Volkmar Lake............................................................... 27
Arolik River drainage................................................. 15
Goodnews River drainage .......................................... 15
TANANA RIVER DRAINAGE
Kanektok River drainage............................................ 15
Special Regulations Page UPPER COPPER - UPPER SUSITNA DRAINAGES
Badger/Chena Slough.................................................. 25 Special Regulations
NORTH SLOPE DRAINAGES Page
Chatanika River drainage............................................. 25 Chitina River drainage................................................. .30
Fresh and Salt Waters Special Regulations Page
Chena River drainage................................................... 25 Chokosna River............................................................ .30
Trans Alaska Pipeline Corridor................................... 17
Clearwater Lake drainage............................................ 25 Copper River drainage ................................................ .30
Delta River drainage.................................................... 25 Copper River mainstem............................................... .30
NORTHWESTERN DRAINAGES
Delta Clearwater River................................................ 25 Fish Creek (Mentasta Lake tributary).......................... .30
Fresh and Salt Waters Special Regulations Page
Fielding Lake............................................................... 25 Gakona River drainage................................................ .30
Cripple River drainage................................................. 19
Five-Mile Clearwater Creek........................................ 26 Gilahina River.............................................................. .30
Kobuk River drainage.................................................. 19
George Lake................................................................. 26 Hanagita River drainage ............................................. .30
Nome River.................................................................. 19
Goodpaster River drainage.......................................... 26 Hudson Lake................................................................ .30
Northern Norton Sound drainages............................... 19
Grizzly Lake ................................................................ 26 Indian Creek (Copper River drainage)......................... .30
Penny River.................................................................. 19 Lake Louise.................................................................. .30
Harding Lake............................................................... 26
Pilgrim River drainage................................................. 19 Jack Lake .................................................................... 26 Lakina River................................................................. .30
Salmon Lake................................................................ 19 Kantishna River drainage............................................. 26 Mendeltna Creek drainage........................................... .30
Selawik River drainage................................................ 19 Piledriver Slough......................................................... 26
Snake River drainage................................................... 19 Rainbow Lake.............................................................. 26
Solomon River............................................................. 19 Richardson Clearwater River drainage........................ 26
Unalakleet River drainage............................................ 19 Salcha River drainage.................................................. 26
...continuedUpper Copper-Upper Susitna Continued... Page
Paxson Lake Outlet stream.......................................... .33 Klutina River drainage lakes........................................ .36
Mendeltna Creek drainage lakes.................................. .30
Summit Lake (Gulkana River drainage)...................... .33 Little Tonsina River..................................................... 36
Moose Creek (Tazlina River drainage)........................ .30
Tenmile Lake (Gulkana River drainage)...................... .34 Manker Creek (Klutina River drainage)...................... .36
Moose Lake (Tazlina River drainage).......................... .31
Twelvemile Creek (Gulkana River drainage).............. .33 Tonsina Lake tributaries............................................... 36
Our Creek (Moose Lake tributary).............................. .31
Sinona Creek................................................................ .31 Klutina &Tonsina River Drainages Special Regulations Tonsina River drainage................................................ .36
Slana River................................................................... .31 Bernard Creek.............................................................. 36 Tonsina River drainage – downstream of lake............. .36
Slana River drainage.................................................... .31 Klutina Lake and tributaries......................................... .36 Tonsina River drainage – downstream of pipeline...... .36
Stocked lakes............................................................... .31 Klutina River drainage................................................. .36 Tonsina River tributaries.............................................. .36
Summit Lake & Bridge Creek..................................... .31
Susitna Lake................................................................. .31 NORTHERN AL A SKA MANAGEMENT AREA S
Susitna River drainage (upstream of Oshetna River).. .31
Tazlina Lake tributaries................................................ .31
Tebay River ................................................................. .31
Tolsona Lake................................................................ .31
Tyone Lake................................................................... .31
Tyone River drainage flowing waters.......................... .31
Tyone River drainage lakes.......................................... .31
Gulkana River Drainage Special Regulations
Crosswind Lake........................................................... .34
Dickey Lake................................................................. .33
Fish Creek and Fish Lake (Gulkana River drainage)... .33
Gulkana River drainage............................................... .32
Gulkana River – East Fork........................................... .33
Gulkana River mainstem – lower river........................ .34
Gulkana River mainstem – upper river........................ .34
Gulkana River – Middle Fork...................................... .34
Gulkana River – West Fork.......................................... .34
Gunn Creek drainage................................................... .33
Hungry Hollow Creek (Gulkana River drainage)........ .33
Paxson Lake................................................................. .33
Licensing & Kuskokwim North Slope Northwestern Yukon River Tanana River Upper Copper -
Regional - Goodnews Drainages Drainages Drainage Drainage Upper Susitna 11
Regulations Drainages DrainagesKUSKOKWIM AND GOODNEWS DRAINAGES 12
S
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I O
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UL
Tanana River
R EG
Drainage
See pages 22 - 27
L
A
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Yukon River Drainage
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See pages 20 - 21 McGrath
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Alaska Sport Fish
Regulation Summary
Baird Inlet sk ok Doestock Cr.
Ku
Naskonat Peninsula Bethel
Nelson Kasigluk R. K is
ar
I. a Aniak Holitna River
lik
Nunivak River
R.
Island
Eek River Kwethluk River
Kanektok River
Arolik River
!
See the Southwestern
Goodnews River Alaska Sport Fish
Kuskokwim Regulation Summary
Bay
Cape Newenham Miles
0 40 80General Regulations - Kuskokwim OTHER FINFISH Methods and Means - Kuskokwim
• No limit.
Inclusive waters: The Kuskokwim - Goodnews Area Hook Size:
consists of all waters of the Kuskokwim River drainage, SHELLFISH
• Multiple hooks with a gap between point and shank
and all waters draining into, and including, the Bering • See pages 38-39.
larger than ½ inch may be used for taking fish other
Sea and Kuskokwim Bay south of the westernmost point
HALIBUT than salmon, except where noted.
of the Naskonat Peninsula and north of Cape Newenham.
Fishing for all species is open year-round unless Pacific halibut fisheries are managed by the federal Use of spears or bow and arrows:
otherwise noted below or in Special Regulations. government under international treaty. See page 7 for
• Suckers and burbot may be taken with spear or bow
federal contact information.
and arrow the entire year.
KING SALMON • Season: February 1 - December 31. • September 1–April 30: Northern pike or whitefish
• 20 inches or longer—3 per day, 3 in possession— • Unguided anglers: 2 per day, 4 in possession. (excluding sheefish) may be taken by spear or bow
only 2 of which may be 28 inches or longer.
• Consult federal regulations for the following: and arrow during any open season for northern
• Less than 20 inches—10 per day, 10 in possession.
• 1) Bag, size, and possession limits for guided pike or whitefish, or may be speared by persons
OTHER SALMON (charter) anglers. completely submerged during any open season for
• 5 per day, 5 in possession, no size limit. • 2) Possession and landing requirements. northern pike or whitefish.
• 3) Inseason changes to the regulations.
ARCTIC CHAR, DOLLY VARDEN & LAKE TROUT
• All lakes:
• Filleting requirements for fish cleaned at sea:
No person shall possess on board a vessel, including Get the latest fishing info
• 2 per day, 2 in possession—in combination, no
•
size limit.
Flowing and salt waters:
charter vessels and pleasure craft used for fishing,
Pacific halibut that have been filleted, mutilated, or emailed to you.
otherwise disfigured in any manner, except that each
• 10 per day, 10 in possession—only 2 of which
may be 20 inches or longer and only 2 may be
Pacific halibut may be cut into no more than 2 ventral Sign up at: www.wefishak.alaska.gov
pieces, 2 dorsal pieces, and 2 cheek pieces, with a
lake trout.
patch of skin on each piece, naturally attached. Fishing Reports Advisory Announcements Emergency Orders
RAINBOW TROUT
• 2 per day, 2 in possession—only 1 of which may be
20 inches or longer.
ARCTIC GRAYLING
• 5 per day, 5 in possession, no size limit.
SHEEFISH
• 10 per day, 10 in possession, no size limit.
NORTHERN PIKE
• 10 per day, 10 in possession, no size limit.
BURBOT
• 15 per day, 15 in possession, no size limit. A remote stream in Interior Alaska.
KUSKOKWIM AND GOODNEWS DRAINAGES - GENERAL REGULATIONS 13KUSKOKWIM AND GOODNEWS DRAINAGES - SPECIAL REGULATIONS 14
Special Regulations - Kuskokwim Kasigluk River drainage: Kwethluk River drainage:
• Open to fishing year-round. • Open to fishing year-round.
Aniak River drainage: • Rainbow trout limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only • Rainbow trout limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession,
• Open to fishing year-round. 1 of which may be 20 inches or longer. only one of which may be 20 inches or longer.
• There is an annual limit of 2 rainbow trout 20 • There is an annual limit of 2 rainbow trout 20
• Salmon limits (all species): In the Aniak River
inches or longer. Immediately upon landing and inches or longer. Immediately upon landing and
drainage, the per day aggregate bag limit for salmon
retaining a rainbow trout 20 inches or longer, you retaining a rainbow trout 20 inches or longer,
is 3 fish (combination of king, sockeye, chum, coho,
must fill out a harvest record; see page 5. you must fill out a harvest record; see page 5.
and pink salmon), of which no more than 2 may be
king salmon. • In all flowing waters: • In flowing waters upstream of the confluence of
• Only 1 unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly the Kwethluk River and Pulamaneq (Pocahontas)
• King salmon limits: 20 inches or longer—2 per day,
may be used year-round. Creek (60° 31.96’ N, 161° 05.47’ W):
2 in possession.
• There is an annual limit of 2 king salmon 20 • Only 1 unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly
Kisaralik River drainage: may be used year-round.
inches or longer. Immediately upon landing and
• Open to fishing year-round.
retaining a king salmon 20 inches or longer, you
• Rainbow trout limits: Kuskokwim River drainage (downstream of a point
must fill out a harvest record; see page 5.
• In all flowing waters upstream of the Akiak located ¼ mile upstream of the confluence of the Kuskokwim
• Sockeye, chum, coho, and pink salmon (in
Village Lodge site (60° 49.5’ N, 160° 55.0’ W), River with the Holitna River, and all waters draining into
combination) limits: 3 per day, 3 in possession.
rainbow trout retention prohibited. All rainbow Kuskokwim Bay south of the Kuskokwim River):
• Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: In flowing waters,
trout must be released immediately. • King salmon: Open to fishing year-round. However,
3 per day, 3 in possession no size limit.
• In all flowing waters downstream of the Akiak king salmon may only be retained May 1–July 25.
• Rainbow trout: Rainbow trout retention prohibited.
Village Lodge site (60° 49.5’ N, 160° 55.0’ W), • Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: In flowing waters,
All rainbow trout must be released immediately.
2 per day, 2 in possession, only one of which may 5 per day, 5 in possession, only 2 of which may be
• Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no be 20 inches or longer. 20 inches or longer.
size limit. • There is an annual limit of 2 rainbow trout 20 • Sheefish limits: 5 per day, 5 in possession, no size limit.
• Sheefish limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no size limit. inches or longer. Immediately upon landing and
• Northern pike limits: 5 per day, 5 in possession,
• In all flowing waters upstream of Doestock retaining a rainbow trout 20 inches or longer,
only 1 of which may be 30 inches or longer.
Creek: you must fill out a harvest record; see page 5.
• Only 1 unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly • In flowing waters upstream of the Akiak Village
may be used year-round. Lodge site (60° 49.5’ N, 160° 55.0’ W):
• Only 1 unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly
Holitna River drainage: may be used year-round.
• Open to fishing year-round.
• Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: In flowing waters,
3 per day, 3 in possession, n o size limit.
• Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no
size limit.
• Sheefish limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no size limit.
Arctic grayling.Arolik River drainage:
•
•
Open to fishing year-round.
Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: In flowing waters,
Kuskokwim Bay drainages
3 per day, 3 in possession, no size limit. w im River
• Rainbow trout limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, only ok
sk
one of which may be 20 inches or longer.
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Ku
• There is an annual limit of 2 rainbow trout 20 inches
or longer. Immediately upon landing and retaining a
rainbow trout 20 inches or longer, you must fill out a Doestock Cr.
harvest record; see page 5. Miles
• Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no size limit. 0 10 20
Bethel
Goodnews River drainage: Akiak Village Lodge Holitna River
• Open to fishing year-round. " Kis
• Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: In flowing waters, a
Kwethluk Aniak
ral
3 per day, 3 in possession, no size limit.
Ka s
River River
ik R.
• Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no size limit.
Pulamaneq
iglu
• In all flowing waters:
• Only 1 unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly (Pocahontas)
k
Creek
R.
may be used year-round.
• In all flowing waters downstream of the Togiak
National Wildlife Refuge wilderness boundary: Eek River
• No person may sport fish from a boat or the river bank
within 300 ft of a legally operating subsistence gillnet.
See the Southwestern
Kanektok River drainage: Kanektok River Alaska Sport Fish
Regulation Summary
• Open to fishing year-round.
• Rainbow trout limits: Ar
ol
• June 8–October 31: Rainbow trout retention Kuskokwim ik
prohibited. All rainbow trout must be released Ri
Bay ve
immediately. r
In the Kisaralik, Kasigluk, Kwethluk,
• November 1–June 7: 2 per day, 2 in possession—
only one of which may be 20 inches or longer.
ew
s R. N and Arolik river drainages, there is an
annual limit of two (2) rainbow trout 20
• Arctic char/Dolly Varden limits: In flowing waters, odn
3 per day, 3 in possession, no size limit. Go inches or longer, and a harvest record is
• Arctic grayling limits: 2 per day, 2 in possession, no size limit. Togiak National required. Immediately upon harvesting a
• In all flowing waters: Wildlife Refuge rainbow trout 20 inches or longer, you must
• Only 1 unbaited, single hook, artificial lure or fly fill out the harvest information, in ink, on the
may be used year-round. back of your license. If you are not required to
Cape
• In all flowing waters downstream of the Togiak Newenham be licensed, you must use a harvest record card
National Wildlife Refuge wilderness boundary: (provided free of charge at ADF&G offices).
• No person may sport fish from a boat or the river bank
within 300 ft of a legally operating subsistence gillnet.
KUSKOKWIM AND GOODNEWS DRAINAGES - SPECIAL REGULATIONS 15NORTH SLOPE DRAINAGES - SPECIAL REGULATIONS 16
Barrow
ARCTIC OCEAN
BEAUFORT SEA
Prudhoe Sagavanirktok
Bay
River
Teshekpuk
er
Lake
Riv
CHUKCHI SEA
Canning
ruk
River
pa
CAN A
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Ku
DA
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Col River
Point v ille
!
Hope
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Northwestern Drainages Yukon River Drainage Miles
See pages 18 - 19 Trans-Alaska Pipeline Corridor Dietrich Camp See pages 20 - 21 0 30 60
General Regulations - North Slope ARCTIC GRAYLING BURBOT
• 5 per day, 5 in possession, no size limit. • 15 per day, 15 in possession, no size limit.
Inclusive waters: The North Slope Area consists of all
northerly flowing waters, including lakes, draining into, and SHEEFISH OTHER FINFISH
including, the Arctic Ocean, the Beaufort Sea, and the Chukchi • 10 per day, 10 in possession, no size limit. • No limit.
Sea, west of the Canadian border and east of Point Hope. SHELLFISH
Fishing for all species is open year-round unless ARCTIC CHAR, DOLLY VARDEN & LAKE TROUT
• See pages 38-39.
otherwise noted below or in Special Regulations. • All lakes:
• 2 per day, 2 in possession—in combination, no size limit.
KING SALMON • Flowing and salt waters:
• 20 inches or longer—3 per day, 3 in possession— • 10 per day, 10 in possession—only 2 of which
only two of which may be 28 inches or longer. may be 20 inches or longer and only 2 may be
lake trout.
• Less than 20 inches—10 per day, 10 in possession.
NORTHERN PIKE
Get the latest fishing info emailed to you.
OTHER SALMON
• 10 per day, 10 in possession, no size limit.
• 10 per day, 10 in possession, no size limit. Sign up at: www.wefishak.alaska.govYou can also read
